The United States and Israel have approached officials from three East African territories to discuss the potential resettlement of Palestinians displaced from Gaza, the Associated Press reported on Friday, citing U.S. and Israeli officials.
According to the report, officials in Sudan, Somalia, and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland were contacted regarding the proposal. However, Sudanese officials stated they had rejected the idea, while officials from Somalia and Somaliland said they were unaware of any such discussions.
The White House and the U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to media’ requests for comment. Meanwhile, efforts to reach Somalia’s and Somaliland’s information ministers for a statement were unsuccessful.
The discussions come amid international backlash against U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for a U.S.-led reconstruction of Gaza, which includes permanently resettling Palestinians elsewhere. His plan, widely rejected by global leaders, has fueled Palestinian fears of forced displacement.
Earlier this month, Arab leaders endorsed a $53 billion Egyptian plan to rebuild Gaza without relocating its population. The initiative contrasts sharply with Trump’s “Middle East Riviera” vision, which has drawn criticism for suggesting Palestinians should not return to their homes.
The crisis in Gaza escalated after Hamas launched a cross-border attack into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering a devastating Israeli military offensive that has killed tens of thousands over the past 17 months.
